Replacing an existing WordPress site with a Duplicator Pro backup is effortless using Import Install mode. Drag and drop a file or use a URL to do it.

This method replaces your existing WordPress site without needing FTP or manual database setup. Drag the backup file from your computer to your WordPress site to start the replacement, or use the archive URL to pull a backup from a remote location.

Requirements:
Import feature is only available with Basic or higher license levels. This feature is not available in Duplicator Lite.

Import Backup using a File

Here, we’ll show you how to import a backup from one site to another. Imagine Site A as the source and Site B as the destination.

Site A: Source site from where you’d like to export the backup.

Begin with creating a backup from the Source site. Navigate to Duplicator Pro » Backups » Add New.

Now, download the Archive from Duplicator Pro » Backups. Download the [archive.zip] or [archive.daf] to your computer:

Site B: Destination site where you want to import the downloaded backup.

Make sure you have the Duplicator Pro plugin with an activated license installed on your Destination site. To import the backup, go to Duplicator Pro » Import Backups, and Select File or Drag & Drop the downloaded [archive.daf] or [archive.zip] file from your computer:

Note: Please set a Recovery Point to revert your website to the previous version if anything goes wrong during the import.

For detailed instructions, please see  How to Migrate a WordPress Site using Drag and Drop with Duplicator Pro.

Import Backup using a Link

Similarly, you can import your backup using the Link. Go to your Destination site, Duplicator Pro » Import Backups, and click on the Import Link tab:

Note: Make sure the backup folder of the source site is publicly accessible. The Import Link functionality won’t work otherwise.

Note: As with importing via file, set a Recovery Point first to revert your website if anything goes wrong during the import.

You’ll see a list of information about the backup you are importing. If everything looks correct, hit Continue.

Launching the Import Installer

To continue migrating your site, click on Launch Installer.

On the next page, select Full install single site as the Install type. This will completely clear the existing site and replace it with the files of the backup.

Click Validate, review notices/warnings, accept terms, and proceed.

Before confirming the installation, make sure the WordPress database settings are accurate to override the new database before clicking OK.

That’s it. Once the installer finishes, your destination site is running on the imported backup.

Need to move a large site instead, or run into build issues along the way? See The Ultimate Guide to the Installer for the full picture.